Several hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported within Gresham each year. Operator training is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is certainly one of the most essential parts. Obviously, the right approach to preventing lift truck mishaps is having the organization and business involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This system is important for helping lessen the possibility of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could detect various things which may result in possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation happens, the lift truck's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the machinery senses the occurrence of instability. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help reduce the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect numerous things which lead to potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control could sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that would decrease the possibilities of spilling or forward tipping. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the chances of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.